A citizen of Arab nationality booked three rooms at a hotel in Dubai, enjoying the accompanying services.
However, upon departure, they failed to settle their bill of 104 thousand dirhams. Despite the hotel's attempts to resolve the issue through communication, the guest refused to pay, prompting the hotel management to pursue legal action in the Dubai civil court.
The hotel claimed that the defendant stayed at their establishment in July of the previous year, taking advantage of three rooms and associated services. Despite repeated attempts to contact the guest for payment, they remained unresponsive. Consequently, the hotel filed a lawsuit, supported by documentation detailing the owed amount.
The court appointed an expert to investigate the matter, who confirmed the outstanding debt. Subsequently, the court addressed the legal aspects of the case. It emphasized the plaintiff's responsibility to substantiate their claim, allowing the defendant the opportunity to contest it. Moreover, it cited legal precedents underscoring the obligation to honor contractual agreements in good faith and the imposition of interest for delayed payment, whether in civil or commercial contexts.
After reviewing the evidence, including the defendant's registration details and the hotel's records, the court determined that the guest had indeed utilized the hotel's services but had failed to pay the agreed-upon amount. Despite the defendant's absence in court and lack of defense, the court ruled in favor of the plaintiff. It ordered the defendant to settle the outstanding balance of 104 thousand dirhams, along with a 5% legal interest, from the date of filing until full payment. The court also instructed the defendant to bear the legal fees and expenses related to the case.
The court upheld the hotel's claim, emphasizing the importance of honoring contractual obligations and imposing penalties for non-compliance. This ruling reinforces the legal principle that parties must fulfill their obligations in good faith, and that failure to do so may result in legal consequences.
